No space for a fancy weight machine or a treadmill? No time or money to invest in an expensive home gym? It’s okay! You don’t need a lot of space, money or fancy equipment to create a home gym that can provide you with an effective and convenient workout. If you are looking to build a home gym without needing a second job or remodeling an entire room in your home, here is the equipment you should be considering:

1. Jump Rope. You likely enjoyed jump rope as a child. As an adult, you can reap the cardiovascular benefits of jumping rope. A jump rope is likely the least expensive piece of cardio equipment that you buy. Fun fact: jumping rope actually burns more calories per minute than running on a treadmill.

2. Agility Ladder. Agility ladders fold up and can be stored easily. Lay your agility ladder out on the driveway, in the garage, in the backyard or wherever you can find some space. Skip, shuffle, jump and hop your way to a healthier cardiovascular system while burning plenty of calories.

3. Cardio Step. A cardio step is great for engaging in aerobics, but can also be used for core training, resistance training and plyometric exercises. A cardio step is not going to be as cheap as a jump rope, but its a versatile piece of equipment that is very durable and can help you to expand the number of different exercises you are able to complete at home.

4. Resistance Bands. Resistance bands are small and can be stored virtually anywhere. They are versatile and can even travel with you to make working out easier on the go. A full set of resistance bands is relatively cheap in cost and is ideal for incorporating into strength training workouts.

5. Adjustable Dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells may be a bit of a splurge. However, they are compact enough to store in small spaces; opposed to a regular set of dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells can make a great addition to your strength training routine.

6. Exercise Mat. An exercise mat is essential to any home gym. This simple mat is great for completing floor exercises for your upper body core and legs. Exercise mats are extremely affordable and easy to store.

7. Stability Ball. A stability ball may also be referred to as an exercise ball, core ball or physio ball. Stability balls can be used for core training and can make traditional exercises a little more challenging. A stability ball can also double as a desk chair to help tone your core as your work.

If you are unable to buy all of the exercise equipment you need at once, start little by little. Start with a set of resistance bands and a jump rope. This way you have strength training as well as cardiovascular training readily available at home. Slowly add to your exercise equipment collection as you can. Another thing to remember is that walking or running outside on a nice day won’t cost you space or money.

You don’t have to have a lot of fancy equipment to get in shape, but a few things are needed if you are 40 and over.

You need dumbells for women I suggest 3,5 and 8 pounds to start and once you feel comfortable then increase gradually. Men I would suggest at least 8, 10, 15 to start. Now this can vary depending on your fitness level., Rule of thumb: if the reps are easy then you need to increase if you are having trouble lifting then decrease your weight.
Remember: Go at your own pace. Always consult a physicain before you start any exercise program.

Here are a few more suggestions to get you started:

Good pair of gym shoes
An exercise routine that mixes strength training and cardio
A postive attitude

Optional Equipment: Excercise videos, treadmills,jump rope,ab ball, bike, are just to name a few.